The number of parents launching tribunal appeals over a council’s refusal to provide SEND support for their vulnerable child has passed 10,000 in a year for the first time.
In the past academic year, 11,052 SEND appeals were registered – a 29 per cent rise from 8,579 the previous year.
This is more than triple the number of appeals when landmark special educational needs and disability reforms were introduced in 2014. It’s also the largest annual hike in appeals.
Parents can appeal against council refusals to assess a child’s needs or to issue an education, health and care plans (EHCP).
Of the 5,600 that went to a hearing, 5,393 (96 per cent) tribunals sided with families either in whole or in part.
